Newsletter April-May 2002

PRODUCTION & ENVIRONMENT PROGRAM

In April, the Evaluation, Management, and Training Project began with 7 shrimp farming cooperatives in Salinas del Potrero Canton. This project is financed by a $6,541.71 grant from the Episcopal Church. The Chicken Project is underway, with components including family gardens, egg-laying chickens, Kavir chicks, and even the Pelibuey sheep. 90 families in 21 Bajo Lempa communities participate in this project financed by the FSSCA and Episcopal Church.

A Chicken Project beneficiary shows off her chicken coop.

HOUSING PROJECT

A new housing project to benefit last year's earthquake victims began on December 28, 2001. Financed by ACSUR Las Segovias, a Spanish non-profit, this project provides homes, composting latrines, and construction training to beneficiary families. The following communities, all in Jiquilisco Municipality, will benefit: La California, El Poston, La Papalota, El Calvario, Canton San Judas, San Judas Quinal, San Hilario, La Merced, Los Lotes, La Merced, Tierra Blanca, and Ciudad Romero.

Many of the homes are being built as suburbs on lots donated by the Coordinadora, which will bear the names La Amistad, La Solidaridad, 13 de Febrero, 13 de Enero, and La Virtud.

The Coordinadora is executing another housing project with partial support from the Cooperative Housing Foundation. 42 families in La California, El Poston, and Ciudad Romero.

DISASTER PREVENTION PROGRAM In April, the Coordinadora began executing a project to strengthen its Emergency Early Alert System. The Episcopal Church financed this project with approximately $20,000.

ORGANIZATION PROGRAM

In April, the Coordinadora began developing a new strategic plan. This process, which will outline goals and processes for the coming years, will be created in consultation with communities, leaders, and local organizations.